YouTube, DVD or both? Getting started videos for tools.

[Administrator_JSVN]

Many of you may already be aware of the "Getting Started" type videos we've produced for our tools. We, of course, plan to continue to produce these. The question is, what is the best way to share this video content with you and other customers?

We could just include a card in the Systainer with a website URL to go to to view the video.

We could include a DVD in the Systainer with the video on it.

Or, we could do both.

Please cast your vote in the poll at the beginning of the thread.

Which would you find most valuable or the easiest to view? Keep in mind that you may want to be able to be in a position to use the tool as you follow the video.

Other ideas and feedback are welcome, as always.

Thanks!
Shane

 

[peter halle]

I voted for YouTube because the videos are then available for viewing internationally to all, viewable in advance of receiving the tool, and useful in learning about the basic function before purchasing the tool.  The format that you are using is also fairly friendly across language barriers.

Peter

 

[Slartibartfass]

youtube. keeps your cost down and don't need to wory about virus etc while using a dvd in addition to what Peter stated. Malte

 

[leakyroof]

Plus 1 on what Peter said. It also relieves me of having to look for a DVD ,among all the other ones that I own; later on when , um, I really need it...  [embarassed]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. Be sure to cast your vote on the poll.

Just a couple of comments...

DVDs cost very, very little to produce. Like less than a buck.

A video DVD cannot have a virus because there's no software per se, just video data.

Shane

 

[mikeneron]

DVDs can't be updated if a change needs to be made whereas a YouTube video can.  I voted for YouTube.

 

[John Skidgel]

+1 to YouTube (although I'm biased since I used to work there), but I'd keep a DVD (I'm also biased since I used to work on Adobe Encore eons ago ;-) if you included one. Some other thoughts:

* DVDs are only SD (720 x 480), but you can include files (like the manual or supplementary manual on the DVD-ROM portion of the disc; but keep the printed manuals tho too). I think this would be a good addition if you're replicating discs.
* YouTube videos can be up to 4k and most likely you're going to shoot 720 or 1080p in the least and so video quality will be better with YT. You can watch them on your phone, pc, your tv, at the jobsite, in your PJs, etc...

I really appreciate the playlists that Festool YT channel has. One thing you might want to do is ask FOG members to review them and suggest relevant additions to any of the playlists.

 

[juststartingout]

I would also say direct on FB might also be pretty consumable.

 

[Kev]

Don't use a direct link to YouTube with the tool, link to the resource area for that tool on your website and and provide a library of resources from there, including the setup and use videos.

Keep the videos concise and use the resource site at the index to the various sections.

Please don't bother with DVD's ... do people still use those?? [eek] [big grin]

The point already made about having access to these resources before you buy or as you're waiting for delivery is a significant plus.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Kev,

"YouTube" was just meant as a synonym for online video. The link would be for video(s) on our website along with other resources. Currently, when someone registers their tool online, I include a link to the getting started video in their confirmation email for tools that have those videos already.  [wink]

Shane

 

[Gotoh]

I still use DVDs plenty (and even had a mighty snazzy LaserDisc player up until 6 months ago), but I can't think of a situation where I'd prefer one in this case. They can be made region-free pretty easily, but there are still NTSC/PAL issues and they're also likely to get scratched if they're stored with the tools they came with.

 

[PaulMarcel]

My vote is YouTube for easy updates, easy to add more, ability to add other language tracks, and ability to add language-specific captions.  It is also possible to add external hover links so a discussion of an accessory can show a link to take you to the FUSA page on it.

I also like YouTube because every smart phone or tablet can play it.  Much better to watch it even on a small phone screen in the shop with the tool in hand than half asleep on the couch watching off DVD.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Meant to add that a 'FUSA' iPhone/Android app that could take you to the resources of any tool would be useful.  Tap 'carvex' on the list and you can pull up the PDF of the manual or watch the videos for it. No need to dig for a URL that was in the box (though they'd be on that cardboard lid insert) plus this would be a great way for someone scrolling through the app to window shop a CMS by watching the videos

 

[wow]

I voted 'YouTube' but I'd really prefer that Festool host their own videos if possible. There's too much crap on YouTube to sort through, even with a link.

That said, I don't see a need for DVD's. I rip all my CD's and DVD's and put them on a media server anyway, so even if I *did* get a DVD that's just another step for me. PLEASE do make it possible to download the video if I want to keep it, as that is a PITA with YouTube.

Perhaps change the 'You Tube' choice to 'downloadable/watchable online'?

 

[Wooden Skye]

Meant to add that a 'FUSA' iPhone/Android app that could take you to the resources of any tool would be useful.  Tap 'carvex' on the list and you can pull up the PDF of the manual or watch the videos for it. No need to dig for a URL that was in the box (though they'd be on that cardboard lid insert) plus this would be a great way for someone scrolling through the app to window shop a CMS by watching the videos

Again leave to Paul Marcel to have the best option!!  A Festool app with manual and product videos and how to would be downloaded immediately.

 

[Gotoh]

Meant to add that a 'FUSA' iPhone/Android app that could take you to the resources of any tool would be useful.  Tap 'carvex' on the list and you can pull up the PDF of the manual or watch the videos for it. No need to dig for a URL that was in the box (though they'd be on that cardboard lid insert) plus this would be a great way for someone scrolling through the app to window shop a CMS by watching the videos

Wouldn't really even need a native app for that--could do it all from a mobile-friendly site.

 

[jtwood]

I voted for Both, but if I had to pick one, it would be Online.  I could access it anywhere, w/o having to have the disk.

Steve

 

[ShawnRussell]

Voted for Youtube as the video can be updated for whatever reason.

 

[rrmccabe]

DVD would be nice but there is no reason not to have online too. Once the video is produced there is little or no cost to go online 

 

[erock]

I voted for Youtube.

I agree with what Mr. Halle said. 

Before I bought my first Festool (TS55)  I was snooping around YouTube and came across some guy cutting plywood with the TS55 and using the MFT/3 table and I

immediately did a google search on "Festool".  Since then I was hooked.  So for me, the starting point was a guy in his garage using Festool equipment.

And when I started adding to my collection, if I had a question about a tool, I did a search on Youtube to get my questions answered.

Eric